Thiruvananthapuram: In a significant development in the Sabarimala gold plating scam, crucial testimony reveals that Unnikrishnan Potti, an accused in the case, sold the gold separated from the ‘Dwarapalaka’ (temple guardian) sculptures. The buyer has been identified as Goverdhan, a gold merchant based in Ballari (Bellary).
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) has formally recorded Goverdhan’s statement. The SIT announced that Unnikrishnan Potti will be taken to Ballari for further evidence collection as part of the ongoing probe.
The investigation team received vital information regarding the case in recent days, based on which Potti was taken to Bengaluru earlier this morning for evidence gathering. Potti had previously confessed to the SIT that he had sold the separated gold, leading the investigators to the merchant in Ballari.
High-Level Complicity Alleged
Meanwhile, the statement of another arrested accused, former Administrative Officer Murari Babu, has also proven critical. Murari Babu testified that the temple’s Gold Sheet Register recorded the gold as ‘copper’ following instructions from higher authorities. Unnikrishnan Potti had previously given a similar statement to the SIT.
This new testimony tightens the noose around high-ranking Devaswom officials allegedly involved in the gold pilferage. The High Court has ordered an investigation that includes scrutinizing the involvement of the current Travancore Devaswom Board members in the matter.
